Tool handle for holding multiple tools of different sizes during use

ABSTRACT

A circular, cylindrically shaped tool handle holds multiple sizes of tools. The handle includes one or more holding slots each positioned on the outer surface into which tools are inserted and held. Each holding slot includes one or more contoured compartments in which tools rest when engaged with the handle. Each contoured compartment is of a size and dimension which corresponds to one or more tool sizes. Each contoured compartment is formed about a corresponding receiving hole. A lock is positioned over the contoured compartment to irremovably confine the short leg of the hexagonal wrench within the contoured compartment. Hexagonal shaped tools other than wrenches are able to be used with the handle of the present invention such as screwdrivers and socket wrenches. A tool container stores the tools and the tool handle.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/482,243, filed on Jun. 10, 2009 and entitled “TOOL HANDLEFOR HOLDING MULTIPLE TOOLS OF DIFFERENT SIZES DURING USE,” which is adivisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/009,404, filed on Jan.17, 2008 and entitled “TOOL HANDLE FOR HOLDING MULTIPLE TOOLS OFDIFFERENT SIZES DURING USE,” now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,946,203, thecontents of which are all hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of hand held tools. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to the field of hexagonalwrenches and related safety, comfort, and convenience accessories andtools.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hexagonal wrenches or tool drivers, also referred to as allen wrenchesor L-wrenches, have a hexagonal L-shaped body, including a long legmember and a short leg member. The end of either leg member is able tobe inserted into a head of a screw or tool designed to accept ahexagonal wrench. Once inserted, rotational pressure is applied to thehexagonal wrench in order to tighten or loosen the screw. The legmembers of the hexagonal wrench are designed to be of different lengthsin order to allow a user flexibility when using the wrench in differentenvironments and situations. For example, in a narrow, confinedenvironment, the long leg of the hexagonal wrench is inserted into thehead of the screw and the user will apply rotational pressure to theshort leg. Or, if the environment is not so confined, the user is ableto insert the short leg of the hexagonal wrench into the head of thescrew and apply rotational pressure to the long leg.

Hexagonal wrenches are manufactured and distributed in multiple Englishand metric sizes in order to facilitate their use with screw heads ofmultiple sizes. Such wrenches are usually sold in a set which includeswrenches of multiple sizes but are also distributed individually.

When using a hexagonal wrench, a user will insert an end of thehexagonal wrench into the head of a workpiece such as a screw, and willthen exert rotational pressure on the opposite end of the wrench inorder to tighten or loosen the screw. Because of the size and dimensionsof the hexagonal wrench it is particularly difficult to exert a greatamount of rotational pressure on the hexagonal wrench when the long legof the hexagonal wrench is inserted into the head of the screw. Becausethe hexagonal wrench is typically turned with the user's fingers, theuser is able to also experience scrapes and cuts from the use ofhexagonal wrenches in this manner. Ingenuitive users have also usedother tools, including vice grips, pliers and the like, to turnhexagonal wrenches. However, this method is disadvantageous because suchtools are able to lose their hold on the hexagonal wrench whenrotational pressure is applied or are able to even bend or otherwisedisfigure the hexagonal wrench.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A circular, cylindrical-shaped tool handle holds multiple sizes oftools, one tool at a time. The tool handle includes one or more holdingslots, each positioned on the outer surface into which tools areinserted and held. Each holding slot includes one or more contouredcompartments in which tools rest when engaged with the tool handle. Eachcontoured compartment is of a size and dimension which corresponds toone or more tool sizes.

In use, a tool such as a hexagonal wrench is positioned in anappropriate holding slot with the short leg or mounting end of thehexagonal wrench resting in the contoured compartment within theappropriate holding slot and the long leg of the hexagonal wrenchprotruding through an aperture or receiving hole formed through thebottom of the holding slot and penetrating the tool handle. The long leghas a proximal end for driving an appropriate screw or tool such as onewith a head including a hexagonal-shaped recess. A lock is thenpositioned over the contoured compartment to irremovably confine theshort leg of the hexagonal wrench within the contoured compartment andthe appropriate holding slot. The lock has a cavity for coupling thelock to the tool handle by inserting the tool handle through the cavity.In some embodiments, the lock is selectively positionable along thelength of the tool handle. The lock is able to be positioned to hold atool in any one of the contoured compartments within any one of theholding slots. A user's movement of the lock is enhanced by externalridges on the lock.

A tool container of the present invention is designed to hold tools anda tool handle. A retaining mechanism and a securing mechanism are usedin conjunction to enable the tool container and tools to be displayedwithout being removable until both the retaining mechanism and securingmechanism are removed appropriately later on, particularly afterpurchase.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention showing the relationship of both a hexagonal wrench and a lockto a tool handle.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a tool handle according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a hexagonal wrench locked into a tool handleaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a wrench locked into a handle according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates the multiple sizes of hexagonal wrenches which areable to be inserted into a tool handle according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the handle of the present inventionwith continuous holding slots.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a tool handle according to anembodiment of the present invention with a hexagonal wrench insertedthrough an appropriate receiving hole and showing a slidable lockpositioned relative to the lock positioning slots.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the slidable lock includinginner ridges for engaging the positioning slots of the handle.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a tool container ina closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of a toolcontainer in an open configuration with a retaining mechanism inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a toolcontainer in a closed configuration with a securing mechanism and aretaining mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of a tool containerin a closed configuration with a retaining mechanism in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of a method of securing a group of oneor more tools in a tool container in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a tool container ina closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A perspective view of the hexagonal wrench handle 1 with a circularshape of an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 1. Multiple sizes of hexagonal wrenches 3 are able to be insertedinto and held by the handle 1 in an appropriate sized holding slot 4.When inserted into the handle 1, a hexagonal wrench 3 is positioned inthe appropriately sized holding slot 4 with the short leg or mountingend of the hexagonal wrench 3 resting in the holding slot 4 and the longleg of the hexagonal wrench extending through an aperture formed througha bottom of the holding slot 4 and penetrating the handle 1. Thehexagonal wrench 3 includes an elongated rod having a bend through apredetermined angle. A proximal end of the hexagonal wrench 3 is forengaging a tool or screw which is driven by the hexagonal wrench 3. Theshort leg member or mounting end of the hexagonal wrench 3 extends fromthe bend to a distal end.

Once a hexagonal wrench 3 is inserted into the handle 1 and rests in anappropriately sized holding slot 4, a lock 2 is slid along the handle 1and positioned over the holding slot 4 and the short leg of thehexagonal wrench 3, thereby locking the hexagonal wrench 3 within theholding slot 4. In some embodiments, the lock 2 contains a cam 12, abump or another appropriate implementation on the inside of the lock 2for securing the lock 2 in place. When a cam is used, rotating action bythe user, roughly a quarter turn, wedges the cam against the handle 1and the wrench 3.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the handle 1. When the wrench 3(FIG. 1) is positioned within the appropriate sized holding slot 4, thelong leg of the hexagonal wrench 3 extends through a correspondingreceiving hole 5 in the handle 1. The holding slot 4 and the receivinghole 5 are of a size to accept the corresponding hexagonal wrench 3 andhold it firmly so that it will not rotate or twist in the holding slot 4during use. The receiving hole 5 extends through the full width of thehandle 1. In order to maximize the flexibility of the handle 1 of theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, a receiving hole for a first sizedhexagonal wrench is able to extend through a holding slot for a secondsized hexagonal wrench on a diametrically opposing side of the handle 1.For example, the receiving hole 6 extends from a holding slot positionedon the bottom of the handle 1, with the top of the handle illustrated inFIG. 2. Because the receiving hole 6 extends through the full width ofthe handle 1, it has an opening in the holding slot 4. When a hexagonalwrench is held by the handle 1 and positioned in the holding slot on thebottom of the handle 1, the long leg of the hexagonal wrench will extendthrough the receiving hole 6 and also through the holding slot 4.

The handle 1 has a circular, cylindrical shape having two ends and acircular, cylindrical surface.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a hexagonal wrench 3 locked within a holdingslot 4 of the handle 1 by the lock 2. The holding slots 4 of the handleare designed to be of a depth which will leave the top of the short legof the wrench 3 flush with the top of the handle 1 so that when the lock2 is positioned over the wrench 3 it will tightly hold the short leg ofthe wrench 3 within the holding slot 4 and will not allow it to rotateor twist during use. In some embodiments, the bottom of the lock 2 isdesigned with a separation 11 which allows the long leg of the wrench 3to protrude through it.

FIG. 5 illustrates the multiple sizes of hexagonal wrenches which areable to be used with the handle 1 of an embodiment of the presentinvention. As stated above, each holding slot 4 is of a size whichcorresponds to a size of a conventional hexagonal wrench. In order toenhance the user's ability to exert rotational pressure on the largerhexagonal wrenches, the holding slots 4 which hold the larger wrenches 3are oriented at the ends of the handle 1 of this embodiment. The holdingslots 4 corresponding to smaller wrenches 3 are oriented in the middleof the handle 1 and when in use form a “T”-shaped handle. The drawing ofFIG. 5 is for illustration purposes only, when in use the handle 1 ofthe present invention is designed to work with one hexagonal wrench at atime.

The handle 1 of an embodiment of the present invention illustrated inFIG. 5 is designed to hold hexagonal wrenches of English sizes includinga 9/32 inch hexagonal wrench 60, a ¼ inch hexagonal wrench 61, a 7/32inch hexagonal wrench 62, a 3/16 inch hexagonal wrench 63, a 5/32 inchhexagonal wrench 64, a 9/64 inch hexagonal wrench 65, a ⅛ inch hexagonalwrench 66, a 7/64 inch hexagonal wrench 67, a 3/32 inch hexagonal wrench68, a 5/64 inch hexagonal wrench 69 and/or other sized hexagonalwrenches. In an alternate configuration of an embodiment of the handle 1of the present invention, designed to hold hexagonal wrenches of metricsizes, the wrench 60 would be a 10 mm hexagonal wrench, the wrench 61would be an 8 mm hexagonal wrench, the wrench 62 would be a 6 mmhexagonal wrench, the wrench 63 would be a 5 mm hexagonal wrench, thewrench 64 would be a 4.5 mm hexagonal wrench, the wrench 65 would be a 4mm hexagonal wrench, the wrench 66 would be a 3.5 mm hexagonal wrench,the wrench 67 would be a 3 mm hexagonal wrench, the wrench 68 would be a2.5 mm hexagonal wrench and the wrench 69 would be a 2 mm hexagonalwrench. In some embodiments, the size of the wrench 3 which correspondsto the holding slot 4 is molded into, printed on, or engraved into thehandle 1 to aid the user in efficiently finding the appropriate holdingslot 4 for the necessary wrench 3.

The lock 2 of an embodiment of the present invention is able to bepositioned over any of the holding slots 4 for holding any of thehexagonal wrenches in place during use. The top of the lock 2 is rotatedaround the handle so that it is directly over the appropriate holdingslot 4 and the separation 11 is positioned to allow the long leg memberof the hexagonal wrench to extend therethrough.

The handle 1 is approximately 4.5 inches in length. The handle 1 isdesigned to provide a comfortable, user-friendly interface to a user'shand, in order to enhance a user's ability to exert rotational pressureon the hexagonal wrench 3 without subjecting the user to personal injuryor requiring the use of additional tools.

The handle 1 is able to be composed of any appropriate material, whichis of maximum strength and includes properties which resist materialsthat the handle will likely be exposed to, e.g., oil, grease, gasolineand the like. In some embodiments, the handle 1 is materially composedof polypropylene or other semi-crystalline polymer combination.Alternatively, the handle 1 is able to be materially composed of anysuitable composition including, but not limited to aluminum or steel.

In some embodiments, the handle 1 of an embodiment of the presentinvention is constructed using an injection molded, core/cavity processas is well known in the art. Alternatively, the handle 1 is able to beconstructed in any known manner.

The lock 2 is materially composed of a polypropylene-based material orother semi-crystalline polymer combination-based material in someembodiments but is able to also be composed of any appropriate material.

An embodiment of a handle 100 according to the present invention isillustrated in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the holding slots 4 arecontinuous along the surface of the handle 100. Not all hexagonalwrenches are uniform in size and dimensions. The hexagonal wrenchesmanufactured by one manufacturer are able to have different dimensionsthan hexagonal wrenches manufactured by another manufacturer.Specifically, the lengths of the short legs of hexagonal wrenches areable to be different depending on the manufacturer. The continuousholding slots 4 of an embodiment of the present invention allow for usewith hexagonal wrenches having different length short legs. When using ahexagonal wrench with a longer short leg the continuous holding slot 4will receive and hold the extra length of the short leg. In this manner,hexagonal wrenches of different dimensions from multiple manufacturersare able to be accommodated by the handle 100 with continuous holdingslots 4.

Also, in the handle 100 of an embodiment of the present invention, thecontinuous holding slots are positioned on the circularly, cylindricallyshaped handle 100 and the corresponding receiving holes 5 are positioneddiametrically opposed, without a continuous holding slot 4. It should beapparent to those skilled in the art that the continuous holding slots 4within the handle 100 of an embodiment of the present invention is ableto be positioned on any surface of the handle 100.

The placement of a hexagonal wrench 3 into a continuous holding slot 4is illustrated in FIG. 7. The long leg of the hexagonal wrench 3 isinserted, as described above, into the appropriately sized receivinghole until the short leg of the hexagonal wrench 3 is seated in thecontinuous holding slot 4. To engage the slidable lock 2 on the handle100, the top of the slidable lock is aligned with the surface of thehandle 100 which includes the continuous holding slot 4 to be covered.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the slidable lock 200 in analternative embodiment. The slidable lock 200 is constructed so that thebottom of the lock 200 is smaller than the top of the lock in order togive the lock 200 a natural spring-like property which locks it to thehandle 1. The slidable lock 200 also includes a gap at the bottom.

The lock 200 is designed of a shape to closely correspond to the shapeof the handle 1. In some embodiments, the bottom of the lock 200 isdesigned to be slightly smaller than the top of the lock 200 in order toprovide a built-in, self-clamping mechanism allowing the lock 200 totightly bind itself to the outer surface of the handle 1. The lock 200is also designed with the external ridges 10. The external ridges 10 areused by the user to unlock the lock 200 from the handle 1 and move thelock 200 along the handle 1. In order to move the lock 200 along thehandle 1, the user pinches the lock 200 at the external ridges 10 whichforces the bottom of the lock 200 apart and allows the lock 200 to beslid along the handle 1. When pressure is applied to the lock 200 itwill slide along the handle when the external ridges 10 are not pinched.However, pinching the external ridges 10 enhances the movement of thelock 200 along the handle. The lock 200 is able to be rotated around thehandle 1 in order to be positioned over a holding slot 4 of the handle1.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a tool container 350in a closed configuration. The tool container 350 includes a toolcontainer body 352 with receiving slots/grooves for receiving each ofthe hexagonal tools 3. In some embodiments, there are other means forreceiving each of the hexagonal tools 3. In some embodiments, only oneend of each of the hexagonal tools 3 extends beyond the tool containerbody 352, and in some embodiments, both ends of each of the hexagonaltools 3 extend beyond the tool container body 352. The tool container350 also includes a hanging member 354 for hanging the tool container350 on an object such as a display rod or hook in a store. In someembodiments, another mechanism for hanging the tool container 350 isimplemented. In some embodiments, the tool container 350 also includes alocation or cavity for receiving the tool handle 100. In someembodiments, the tool container 350 includes a location for receivingany tool handle. In some embodiments, the tool container 350 includesraised features 380 for each of the hexagonal tools 3 which allow theuser to determine the correct size hexagonal wrench required beforeremoving the tool from the tool container 350. The user is able to placea fastener over each of the raised features 380 until the correct sizetool is determined for that fastener. In some embodiments, labeling ofeach of the tools is also included on the tool container 350. Thelabeling is molded onto the tool container 350 or anotherimplementation.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of a toolcontainer 350 in an open configuration with a retaining mechanism. Thetool container 350 includes a tool container body 352 which furtherincludes a first holding wing 360 and a second holding wing 362. In someembodiments, a hinge or other mechanism allows the tool container 350 toopen. In some embodiments, the first holding wing 360 and the secondholding wing 362 open outwardly from each other. The first holding wing360 contains receiving slots/grooves for receiving a first set ofhexagonal tools 370, and the second holding wing 362 contains receivingslots/grooves for receiving a second set of hexagonal tools 372. In someembodiments, the first set of hexagonal tools 370 are standard and thesecond set of hexagonal tools are metric or vice versa. In someembodiments, there is only one set of tools. In some embodiments, thereare other means for receiving each of the hexagonal tools. In someembodiments, the tool container 350 includes a location for receivingthe tool handle 100. In some embodiments, the tool container 350includes a location for receiving any tool handle. In some embodiments,the tool container 350 also includes a hanging member 354 for hangingthe tool container 350 on an object such as a display rod or hook in astore. In some embodiments, another mechanism for hanging the toolcontainer 350 is implemented.

In some embodiments, the hanging member 354 includes a first member 354′and a second member 354″ which open in opposite directions when the toolcontainer 350 is opened. In some embodiments, the first and secondmembers 354′ and 354″ are configured as a partial extension from thetool container body 352, specifically, the first member 354′ isconfigured as a partial extension from the first holding wing 360, andthe second member 354″ is configured as a partial extension from thesecond holding wing 362. In some embodiments, the first and secondmembers 354′ and 354″ are each configured as a loop so that there is anaperture within the loop. In other embodiments, the first and secondmembers 354′ and 354″ are configured in another fashion.

A retaining mechanism 358 is inserted within the tool container 350,specifically, between the first holding wing 360 and the second holdingwing 362 and extends beyond the hexagonal tools to prevent the toolsfrom being removed from the tool container 350. In some embodiments, theretaining mechanism 358 at least partially extends around the hexagonaltools. After the tool container 350 is opened, the retaining mechanism358 is able to be removed, and subsequently, the hexagonal tools areable to be removed. In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism 358 isplastic. In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism is metal. In someembodiments, the retaining mechanism comprises a different material.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a toolcontainer 350 in a closed configuration with a securing mechanism and aretaining mechanism. The tool container 350 includes a tool containerbody 352 with a first holding wing 360 and a second holding wing 362(FIG. 12). The first holding wing 360 contains receiving slots/groovesfor receiving a first set of hexagonal tools 370, and the second holdingwing 362 (FIG. 12) contains receiving slots/grooves for receiving asecond set of hexagonal tools 372 (FIG. 12). The tool container 350 alsoincludes a hanging member 354 for hanging the tool container 350 on anobject such as a display rod or hook in a store. In some embodiments,another mechanism for hanging the tool container 350 is implemented.

A retaining mechanism 358 is stored within the tool container 350,specifically between the first holding wing 360 and the second holdingwing 362 (FIG. 12) and extends beyond the hexagonal tools to prevent thetools from being removed. In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism358 at least partially extends around the hexagonal tools. After thetool container 350 is opened, the retaining mechanism 358 is able to beremoved, and subsequently, the hexagonal tools are able to be removed.

In some embodiments, a securing mechanism 356 is implemented so that thetool container 350 is not able to be opened until the securing mechanism356 is removed. The securing mechanism 356 is able to be any device thatprevents the tool container 350 from being opened until the toolcontainer 350 should be permitted to be opened. Examples of securingmechanisms include, but are not limited to, zip ties, locks and magneticlocks. While the securing mechanism 356 is in place, the retainingmechanism 358 is not able to be removed, thus the tools are not able tobe removed. In some embodiments, the tool container 350 is securedclosed in another fashion, such as by gluing, sealing the hanging membertogether or other ways.

FIG. 12 illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of a tool container350 in a closed configuration with a retaining mechanism. The containerbody 352 includes a first holding wing 360 and a second holding wing362. The first holding wing 360 holds a first set of hexagonal tools370, and the second holding wing 362 holds a second set of hexagonaltools 372. A retaining mechanism 358 is stored within the tool container350, specifically between the first holding wing 360 and the secondholding wing 362 and extends beyond the hexagonal tools to prevent thetools from being removed. In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism358 at least partially extends around the hexagonal tools. After thetool container 350 is opened, the retaining mechanism 358 is able to beremoved, and subsequently, the hexagonal tools are able to be removed.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method of securing a group of one or more tools ina tool container 350. In the step 400, the group of tools is insertedinto the tool container 350. In some embodiments, a set of metric toolsare inserted into a first holding wing of the tool container 350 and aset of standard tools are inserted into a second holding wing of thetool container 350. In some embodiments, a tool handle 100 is alsoinserted into the tool container 350. In the step 402, a retainingmechanism 358 is inserted into the tool container 350. The retainingmechanism 358 is inserted between holding wings and is configured sothat the tools are not removable while the retaining mechanism is inplace. In the step 404, the tool container 350 is secured in a closedposition with a securing mechanism 356. With the tool container 350secured in a closed position, the retaining mechanism is not removable,thus making the tools not removable.

FIG. 14 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a tool container500 in a closed configuration. The tool container 500 includes a toolcontainer body 552 with receiving slots/grooves for receiving each ofthe hexagonal tools 3. In some embodiments, there are other means forreceiving each of the hexagonal tools 3. In some embodiments, only oneend of each of the hexagonal tools 3 extends beyond the tool containerbody 502, and in some embodiments, both ends of each of the hexagonaltools 3 extend beyond the tool container body 552. The container body552 includes a first holding wing 560 and a second holding wing 562. Thefirst holding wing 560 holds a first set of hexagonal tools 570, and thesecond holding wing 562 holds a second set of hexagonal tools 572. Thetool container 500 also includes a hanging member 554 for hanging thetool container 500 on an object such as a display rod or hook in astore. In some embodiments, another mechanism for hanging the toolcontainer 500 is implemented. In some embodiments, the tool container500 also includes a location or cavity for receiving the tool handle100. In some embodiments, the tool container 500 includes a location forreceiving any tool handle. In some embodiments, the tool container 500includes raised features 580 for each of the hexagonal tools 3 whichallow the user to determine the correct size hexagonal wrench requiredbefore removing the tool from the tool container 500. The user is ableto place a fastener over each of the raised features 580 until thecorrect size tool is determined for that fastener. In some embodiments,labeling of each of the tools is also included on the tool container500. The labeling is molded onto the tool container 500 or anotherimplementation.

As an example, a set of hexagonal wrenches are inserted into the holdingwings of the tool container, with the metric tools in one wing and thestandard tools in another wing. The tool handle is also inserted intothe tool container in an appropriate location. A retaining mechanism isthen inserted in between the holding wings of the tool container. Theretaining mechanism is a piece of plastic that is configured so that thehexagonal wrenches are not able to be removed while the retainingmechanism is in place. The tool container is closed such that the wingsare closed upon the retaining mechanism. The tool container is thensecured closed by a securing mechanism such as a zip tie which goes inand around a hanging member of the tool container. The hanging memberthen enables the tool container to be hung on a hook in a store fordisplay. While in the retail store, the securing mechanism prevents thetool container from being opened, which prevents the retaining mechanismfrom being removed from the tool container, which prevents the hexagonalwrenches from being removed from the tool container. After a userpurchases the tool container which includes the hexagonal wrenches andthe tool handle, the user utilizes a device such as a knife, scissors,wire cutters or another device to remove the securing mechanism. Afterthe securing mechanism is removed, the user opens the tool container.Once the tool container is opened, the securing mechanism is able to beremoved and is able to be discarded. The tools are then easily removableand re-insertable into the tool container.

In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism comprises a first flatsurface extending in a horizontal direction with a second surfaceextending in a vertical direction in a first direction at one end of thefirst flat surface and a third flat surface extending in a verticaldirection in an opposite direction at the opposite end of the first flatsurface. In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism comprises morethan one component such as two oppositely pointing L-shaped components.The retaining mechanism is able to be any configuration and comprise anynumber of components as long as it is able to retain the tools withinthe tool container.

The circular, cylindrical embodiment of the tool handle is utilized toprovide better gripping ability of a tool such as a hexagonal wrench.The circular, cylindrical tool handle is utilized by inserting a toolinto a proper slot and then moving the lock to secure the tool in place.The tool container is utilized to hold one or more tools along with thetool handle. The tools are easily accessible in the tool container.Furthermore, while available for purchase, such as in a retail store, aretaining mechanism and a securing mechanism ensure that no tools arestolen or otherwise removed from the tool container. After the toolcontainer is purchased, a user removes the securing mechanism and thenthe retaining mechanism. Then, the user is able to remove, utilize andreturn the tools as desired.

In operation, the tool container includes a retaining mechanism and asecuring mechanism which are able to be used to allow the tool containerand tools to be displayed yet protected from theft or removal withoutthe need for additional packaging. This removes the need for expensiveadded containment materials such as plastic that goes all around thetool container. Moreover, since the retaining mechanism utilizes lessplastic, it is also more environmentally friendly.

It should further be understood by a person skilled in the art that thetool handle of the present invention is able to be modified or adaptedfor use with tool drivers and tools having shapes other than hexagonal.Further improvements and modifications which become apparent to personsof ordinary skill in the art only after reading this disclosure, thedrawings and the appended claims are deemed within the spirit and scopeof the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A circular cylindrical tool handle for acceptingand holding one or more tools of differing sizes during use, wherein theone or more tools include an elongated rod having a bend through apredetermined angle and including a proximal end, and a mounting endbetween the bend and a distal end, comprising: one or more holding slotseach integrally formed within the tool handle, each of the one or moreholding slots for receiving and holding an appropriate one of the tools,wherein the mounting end of the appropriate one of the tools engageswithin a corresponding one of the one or more holding slots; and a lockhaving an interior locking component for securing the lock around theone or more tools within the tool handle.
 2. The tool handle accordingto claim 1 wherein the tool handle includes a circular cylindrical outersurface, the outer surface including two ends opposite from one another.3. The tool handle according to claim 1 wherein the lock applies asecuring force to a segment of the one or more tools, further whereinthe locking component includes a raised component for further securingthe lock around the one or more tools within the tool handle.
 4. Thetool handle according to claim 1 further comprising a tool holder,wherein the tool holder comprises: a. a tool holding member configuredto hold the one or more tools of multiple sizes securely upon insertion;and b. a tool handle holding member coupled to the tool holding member,wherein the tool handle is configured to hold the tool handle adjacentto the tool holding member.
 5. The tool handle according to claim 4wherein the tool holding member includes a first side having a firstdimension and a second side having a second dimension, the first sidepositioned proximal to the tool holding member and the second sidepositioned distal to the tool holding member, wherein the firstdimension is larger in length than the second dimension.
 6. A circular,cylindrical-shaped tool handle for holding a tool comprising: a. one ormore holding slots for holding a tool; b. one or more receiving holesfor receiving the tool; and c. a lock mechanism comprising an interiorlocking component for securing the tool within the tool handle; whereinwhen the tool is secure within the tool handle, the tool extends intoand through a body of the tool handle.
 7. The tool handle for holding atool of claim 6, wherein the tool handle holds a hexagonal wrenchcomprising an L-shaped body, including a long leg member and a short legmember.
 8. The tool handle for holding a tool of claim 7, wherein thehexagonal wrench is English size.
 9. The tool handle for holding a toolof claim 7, wherein the hexagonal wrench is metric size.
 10. The toolhandle for holding a tool of claim 7, wherein the one or more receivingholes are positioned diametrically opposed to the one or more holdingslots.
 11. The tool handle for holding a tool of claim 10, wherein theone or more holding slots comprises one or more contoured compartments.12. The tool handle for holding a tool of claim 11, wherein the one ormore holding slots are a depth such that when the tool handle holds awrench, the top of the short leg member is flush with the top of thehandle and the long leg member protrudes through the diametricallyopposed receiving slot so that when the tool handle is locked it tightlyholds the wrench.
 13. The tool handle for holding a tool of claim 7,wherein the one or more holding slots are different sizes to holddifferent size wrenches.
 14. The tool handle for holding a tool of claim13, wherein the size of the wrench corresponding to the one or moreholding slots is molded into, printed on, or engraved into the handle.15. The tool handle for holding a tool of claim 6, wherein the lockmechanism comprises one or more of a cam, a bump or another appropriateimplementation for securing the lock in place on the tool.
 16. The toolhandle for holding a tool of claim 6, wherein the one or more holdingslots are continuous along the tool handle.
 17. A circular cylindricaltool handle for accepting and holding one or more tools of differingsizes during use, wherein the one or more tools include an elongated rodhaving a bend through a predetermined angle and including a proximalend, and a mounting end between the bend and a distal end, comprising:a. one or more holding slots each integrally formed within the toolhandle for receiving and holding an appropriate one of the tools,wherein the mounting end of the appropriate one of the tools engageswithin a corresponding one of the one or more holding slots; and b. aslidable lock having an interior locking component for securing the lockaround the one or more tools within the tool handle.